Not so new (New In Town (DVD))

Member Name: dee778

Product:	New In Town (DVD)
Date:	07/11/09 (60 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A few laughs

Disadvantages: Poor acting, little chemistry, tired old plot

'New in Town' is an over-sentimental romcom, set in the snowy wastes of Minnesota and starring Renee Zellweger with Harry Connick Jr. A formulaic film, attempting success through the inclusion of successful elements from many other films, 'New in Town' just ends up as a predictable clichéd romcom with disappointing performances and little chemistry.

Renee Zellweger plays Lucy Hill, a smart and ambitious Miami businesswoman who is determinedly climbing the career ladder, holding her own in a male environment. She brings her fierce feminism to the more traditional Minnesota community, where she is tasked with downsizing the town's food manufacturing plant and main source of employment. Arriving in the rural community, she immediately crosses swords with the union organiser, Ted (played by Harry Connick Jr) in a rather tired re-working of the love-hate romcom convention. The film plays out in the expected format, including lovable and eccentric characters from the community and a traditional re-examination of city values and corporate lifestyle. Will the charm of Minnesota and handsome Ted persuade Lucy to abandon her career aspirations and smart city lifestyle? Well ... what do you think?

Perhaps the greatest weakness of this film is the lack of real chemistry between the two main protagonists. Renee Zellweger tries to re-create her comic success as Bridget Jones, but just comes over as stiff and uncomfortable during the first few scenes. As Bridget Jones, she managed to combine vulnerability with strength of character, but as Lucy she never portrays a woman who is slightly determined or authoritative - quickly assuming a simpering, flirtatious role after being rescued from the snow by the masterful Ted.

In a way this film has is a misogynistic element, mocking the power of female executives by making visual jokes such as Lucy getting her stilettos stuck in the factory grid as she is addressing the workforce, and creating a character that is easily defeated by the wit and mockery of men. Is it really plausible that a hard nosed and successful business executive would fail to recognise an open fire when she sees it, asking where the switch is to turn it on; would she arrive at a sub zero work placement in high heels with no jacket; and would her most embarrassing moment really be the silhouette of nipples through her jumper?

This is Danish director Jonas Elmer's first major Hollywood production, and it will not be remembered as his greatest work. Although the film is meant to portray a gradual softening in attitude, Elmer has allowed the change to be much too sudden, and therefore totally unconvincing. Zellweger must be held partially responsible for this dire acting sequence. The way that a hard-nosed and successful businesswoman suddenly turns into a simpering, flirtatious, hesitant little flower after a very macho snow rescue is completely unreal and done much too quickly. The whole plot lacked intrigue and depth. Reminiscent of 'The Pyjama Game', when Doris Day plays the shop steward in a reverse scenario, Zellweger's simpering girly act does not sit well in today's environment. If Zellweger had played the part with the steel of Katharine Hepburn rather than the fragrant fluff of Doris Day, the whole film would have been a much more enjoyable experience.

Having said that, there are some genuinely funny scenes in the film, mainly provided by the character cameos of the women of New Ulm. Siobhan Fallon Hogan attempts to save the day, with a good performance that provides some real laughs as Lucy's scrapbook making secretary, Blanch Gunderson; Frances Conroy (from Six Feet Under) also plays the part of Trudi van Uuden with good comic timing; and Harry Connick, Jr., gives a competent performance as the handsome widower from North Carolina. Setting the film in Minnesota is a nice touch. The Swedish accents and the feeling of the small town community gave films such as 'Fargo' and 'Lars and the Real Girl' their quirky and surreal atmosphere, and it was nice to see this reproduced in this film.

Lovely snowy surroundings help to make this a pleasant, if unexceptional feel-good movie which it does no good to over-analyse.

New in Town is rated a 12, and very suitable for family viewing.

Summary: Not dire, but not interesting enough to waste good money on